Payloads Product Manager @ Shield AI

Introduction to Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are looking for an exceptional Product Manager to lead the V-BAT payloads portfolio. You will be responsible to develop and execute a payload product strategy that optimally leverages the V-BAT UAV and Hivemind AI to maximize Shield AI’s ability to protect service members and civilians with artificially intelligent systems.

The ideal candidate will maintain extreme ownership over the product- portfolio, proactively engage and align stakeholders, demonstrate exceptional levels of communication, and stay vigilant in monitoring industry and customer trends.

Product Strategy

-Set the product roadmap to guide development and integration of V-BAT payloads, including but not limited to: EO/IR, A-PNT, C2, SI/EW.

-Manage prioritization of payload developments to support customers, mission impact, and corporate strategy.

-Engage cross-functional stakeholders (business development, engineering, finance, operations, etc.) at the right time to ensure excellent product maturation that fulfills delivery targets.

-Establish, track, and report upon key performance indicators for product metrics.

-Rigorously evaluate financial aspects of product strategy and pricing

-Ensure product-market fit. Conduct market analyses to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats.

-Support efforts to drive product adoption and ensure end-users will delight in using our products. Assist pre-sales conversations and industry events.

Stakeholder Alignment

-Invest deeply in cross-functional engagement to empower optimal decision making. Partner with teammates across the organization to think comprehensively about problems and make thoughtful decisions.

-Collaborate with business development, production, and engineering teams to design and implement payload solutions that meet product requirements and business/customer needs. Be prepared to execute a variety of tasks to ensure the roadmap stays on track.

-Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, partners, and internal teams, to gather requirements and communicate product value.

-Lend world-class product insight and perspective to all members of the team.

Communication

-Reinforce company mission, vision, and strategy by contributing product facts, insights, and arguments.

-Produce and present models, written text, and presentations that simply and effectively convey the product state and future.

-Anticipate and address risks. Provide mitigation strategies with sufficient lead time to ensure the roadmap stays on track.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in the product development life cycle, specifically with UAS payloads, hardware integration, or related technologies.
Deep understanding of sensing technologies, AI applications in unmanned systems, and system integration principles.
Proven track record of leading and facilitating cross-functional teams to successfully bringing products to market.
Self-starter with a proven track record of forging clarity and structure in the face of ambiguous or dynamic constraints.
World-class analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly synthesize disparate viewpoints to deliver well-informed, data-backed decisions.
Relentless learner who can develop specialized knowledge in niche domains.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experiencing owning and driving product roadmaps that balance engineering development realities against the speed of business growth.
Experience translating technical information and customer needs into comprehensible product narratives.
Experience conducting product, technology, and market discovery with subject matter experts.
Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance.
Defense, national security, or aerospace domain familiarity through employment or education.

Total package details:

Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

*Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.

If you’re interested in being part of our team, apply now!

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Benefits